When Cha-Cha first released her debut album, Dear Diary on Epic Records in 1999, she was a young, naïve spitter poised to take over the rap game. But, despite appearances by Nas and Juvenile on her debut, underpromotion by her label tanked the project. “Back then, I always felt that there was more depth to me, but I always had those corporate-minded restraints that kept me confined from doing what I wanted to do creatively and sort of hindered me expressing it.”

Since her debut album, Cha-Cha–who is now using the name Parris Franz– stayed busy. “I was an On-Air Personality for Clear Channel and Radio One for a few years, that in turn lead to quite a bit of hosting of celebrity events and parties, specialty concerts,” Parris told us from her current home in Los Angeles, where she is working on a film. “All while still performing shows overseas with Royce Da 5’9″ a few times, on a few spot dates here and there…everywhere from the Czech of Republic to Germany and more.”

That’s right, Parris Franz is a Detroit-native, and even more, she is sister to Royce Da 5’9″, not by blood but sister nonetheless. It was on Royce’s projects, Build and Destroy, M.I.C., and Death is Certain and while touring the world with one-half of Bad Meets Evil that she continued to hone her rap chops, as well as other valuable skills. “I’m producing music. I write for others. I was recently requested to write on the new Beyonce’ album. I’ve gotten acting roles, in some film work and on Tyler Perry’s Meet The Browns. I’m also working on a fashion line, Crown Jewel Collectives & Co.”

In an industry, where women are often marginalized and the category for “Best Female Rapper” has gone to one woman four years in a row. Parris Franz is poised to retake the place that was rightfully hers years ago, without missing a beat. “I feel like I’ve just evolved as a person, and as an artist. With music being at the center of my passions, it’s only right that I exude my growth in it at this point.”

Check out the world premiere of “We on That” by Parris Franz. Follow @ParrisFranz on Twitter/Instagram.